Sourdough Cheez-Itz

Sourdough Cheez-Itz are a must have in your recipe book! These easy cheese crackers are fun to whip up and taste almost exactly like the real thing, but better. They are easier on the tummy too, and my favorite part is that you know exactly what is in them.

If you’ve ever made sourdough tortilla chips, these Cheez-Itz crackers are even easier than that! You are going to love this crispy and satisfying snack. I know my kids sure do. The whole batch was gone in half a day!

Sourdough Cheesy Crackers

I don’t know if this is a universal experience, but I know that I can get half way through a Cheez-Itz box way too easy. I was doing just that one day when I realized- I can make these sourdough! It is a simple recipe that anyone can do. It’s perfect for beginners. Here is what you will need to make this recipe.

Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to make these sourdough Cheez-Itz crackers

Sourdough Starter: This can be discard, or inactive starter. It could be fresh and bubbly if you have that ready.

Water: I have well water in my house, so I use that. If you have tap water, I recommend filtering it. The chlorine and other things commonly found in tap water can kill the active sourdough yeast.

Butter: I use unsalted because you will be adding salty cheese and salt already in this recipe.

Flour: I like to use King Arthur’s Organic flour. Any all purpose flour will work.

Salt: Avoid iodized salt when you can. I prefer sea salt and Celtic salt.

Shredded Cheese: I prefer to shred my own cheese. They put all kinds of things into pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping. You can use any kind of cheese you want! I like cheddar for this recipe.

Sourdough Cheesy Cracker Recipe

Sourdough Cheez-Itz take a little more effort than picking up a box from the grocery store. They taste so much better though! Here’s how you make them.

1. In a large bowl, mix starter, water, and melted butter together until combined.
2. Add flour and salt to the starter mixture and mix until completely combined.
3.  Next, add the shredded cheese and mix with your hands until the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a shower cap and allow to ferment on the counter for 12-16 hours or overnight.
5.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get out a sheet pan.
6. On a clean counter, divide the dough in half. Pat the dough a bit to flatten it out.
7. Place one half of the dough between two pieces of parchment. Use a rolling pin to flatten out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, or as thin as you can get it. Try to shape it as close to a rectangle as you can.
8.  Now peel off the top piece of parchment paper and place the dough (with the parchment still on the bottom) onto a sheet pan. Cut the dough into 1 inch square crackers. Try to make them as close in size as possible so they all bake evenly.
9.  Using a fork, poke each cracker twice to help the crackers stay flatter.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 with the other half of your dough.
11.  Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden. Once they are done baking, turn the oven off and crack the door open and leave the crackers to cool in the oven.
12. Once they are cool, enjoy!

Tips for Making Sourdough Cheez Itz

Sourdough Cheez Itz are perfect for a beginner or child. You don’t have to worry about any complicated steps or methods. Here are some tips while making these cheesy crackers.

• Keep your oven cracked after they are done baking. Leaving the crackers in the oven after baking will help them dry out and get crispy like a cracker should be. If your oven door won’t stay cracked, place a wooden spoon in the door to keep it open.
• Rotate your pan while baking. When the crackers are half way done, then you can rotate the pan in the oven. This will help the crackers cook more evenly and prevent burnt sections.
• Use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar cheese will make these crackers taste like Cheez Itz. If you want to switch up the recipe, you can try any cheese you like!